Despite India’s reluctance to initiate bilateral talks, Prime Minister Imran Khan has stressed that the Kashmir dispute can be solved if the two countries showed honest resolve.
“The leadership of Pakistan and India must break free from the shackles of the past. Peace cannot be attained unless both the sides looked towards the future instead of dwelling on what has happened. It would be madness to think about a war between two nuclear powers,” said PM Imran on Wednesday while addressing the post-groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor.
The prime minister dismissed myths of differences between civilian and military leadership over friendship with India. “I want to tell you that the civil and military institutions are on the same page.”
He reiterated his inaugural speech statement that Pakistan was ready to take two steps if India took one. “The blame game and point scoring will continue. The past teaches you a lesson to forward.”
Recalling European history, PM Imran reflected that India and Pakistan may have ‘killed’ each other but never had there been a massacre similar to that between Germany and France. He said France and Germany were living with open borders despite fighting war. “Their leaders broke the chains of the past and initiated business and investments.”
PM said the reason he emphasised on strong relations between the arch-rivals was to eliminate poverty from the sub-continent. “China has taken out 700 million people from poverty within 30 years. They have done what no other country has achieved. Our children have stunted growth – both our countries need to move forward.”
He promised Sikh community that the government would ensure modern facilities be in place at Kartarpur when they come to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak next year. “I am overwhelmed by the happiness being reflected on the faces of Sikh pilgrims,” he said.
Addressing the ceremony, Sidhu reflected on the philosophy of Guru Nanak. “Baba sahib urged against discrimination on the basis of colour, caste and creed.”
Thanking PM Imran for the initiative, he called for an end to bloodshed and restoration of peace between the two countries. “There must be someone to ensure peace. I am thankful to the Indian government and Imran for uniting people again.”
“Imran’s name will be written in history books whenever there is a mention of Kartarpur,” he said.
The former cricketer, in his speech, Qureshi welcomed the Sikh community from across the border. “The flame of the love ignited by Guru Nanak is afresh. There is a need to understand his message. We are laying down the foundation of the corridor to reduce distances.”
“We must remember Jinnah’s speech of August 11, 1947 – when he said people were free to go to temples and mosques. The state has nothing to do with religion,” he said. “It is a great opportunity for Islamabad and New Delhi to resolve our issues and promote bilateral ties. We will have to take further steps to make South Asia safe.”
Prime Minister Imran Khan performed the groundbreaking of the long-awaited corridor connecting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur area of Narowal district to Dera Baba Nanak in India’s Gurdaspur district today. A large number of Sikh yatris ─ both local and Indian ─ along with Indian Minister for Food Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister for Housing Hardeep S. Puri, Indian Punjab Minister of Local Government, Tourism, Cultural Affairs, and Museums Navjot Singh Sidhu, and Indian journalists and foreign diplomats are attending the ceremony.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed, and Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi are also in attendance.
